Review of Deathrow Gameshow (1987) by Karen S — 29 Oct 2009

I didn't even bother to watch the Shatner movie that accompanied this flick on my rental copy, I got this solely for the purpose of seeing low budget legend Mark Pirro's flick DEATHROW GAMESHOW.

While its a much more polished effort (believe it or not) than his previous efforts, its not nearly as much fun as either A POLISH VAMPIRE IN BURBANK or CURSE OF THE QUEERWOLF. Those little 8mm flix (transferred to 16mm) were great in their own, exuberant, undeniably childish way.

GAMESHOW, while a great premise, suffers from its own ill advised version of maturity. It needed a heavier dose of adolescent goofiness to really make it work. The story? Chuck Toedan (John McCafferty)hosts the titular show on KSIK tv and its just what its sounds like; criminals sitting on deathrow sign waivers and compete for prizes, the possibility of parole, or just a memorable televised death--with the latter being the most likely.

The show is very Springer-like in that it is both hated and loved passionately. Gloria Sternvirgin (Robyn Blythe)hates it and while expressing her disgust with the show she accidentally becomes involved with Chuck and hitman Luigi Pappalardo (Beano) who's out to kill Chuck in retribution for the embarrassing televised death of Mafia Boss Don Spumoni on GAMESHOW.

Various degrees of hilarity ensue. If you give this flick a try stay through the credits because there's some cute stuff. Its not that bad an effort. And you've got to give writer/director Pirro props for anticipating reality tv.